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The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7210 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Custom order from Rob Bishline
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: 2950 ($US)
Mahogany makes this a different sounding banjo than the Walnut version or other Maple banjos. I'd describe the sound as sensitive and mellow with a little note separation compared to a maple banjo. It is exactly what I expected after hearing Rob Bishline's video playing this banjo.
Sound Rating: 10
Other than tightening the head which all new banjos need, everything was perfect.
Setup Rating: 10
I like satin finish banjos. The inlay work is simply beautiful. It has a wooden armrest that was cut from the same wood as the neck.
Appearance Rating: 10
Time will tell. I have no concerns.
Reliability Rating: not rated
I've spoken with Rob a few times and emailed questions. Always getting a prompt reply. I haven't had any issues.
Customer Service: 10
The standard components are high quality including Gotoh tuners. I ordered a Kershner tailpiece instead of the Presto that normally comes with a Cimarron. Also a wooden armrest.
Components Rating: 10
This is my 2nd Bishline purchase. in 2006 I bought a Salty Dog from Rob. Because of life circumstances I stopped playing banjo for a few years and sold it in 2017. I quickly regretted it when I wanted to get back into picking. I purchased a Gold Tone in 2019 and that served me well but I always wanted to order another mahogany banjo from Bishline.
I have been playing this banjo for 4 months before reviewing. There are no rattles, rings or overtones. Stays in tune and sounds beautiful.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased:
Year Purchased: 2020
Price Paid: about $2500 ($US)
I play both bluegrass and clawhammer. I already had a pretty good banjo for clawhammer, but since I've been getting more into more three-finger stuff, I wanted something that would sound really good for bluegrass, and at least OK for clawhammer. I did a lot of listening to every banjo I could find within my price range, and by far, the Cimarron was the best. I still think so today. Right out of the box, it was great. After playing it in a little, the sound is unbelievable.
Sound Rating: 10
Right out of the box, the setup was great. I eventually had to make some adjustments, but I eventually got it back to perfect.
Setup Rating: 10
You will not find a nicer looking banjo for this price. The Deering Sierra costs more (or, at least, did when I was doing my shopping) and is not nearly as nice to look at. I was shopping based essentially on nothing but sound, but I think that if I was factoring in looks, I would have gone with the Cimarron much sooner. The real surprise was when I first took it out of the case and saw the amazing walnut burl on the resonator. The workmanship is flawless, and this is a stunning instrument. This is easily the best-looking banjo you could get for $2500.
Appearance Rating: 10
I have absolutely no complaints about how sturdy this banjo is. Some day, when I have grandkids, they will undoubtedly have a big fight about who gets this banjo after I die. Walnut seems to be a little more sensitive to humidity than maple, or other woods that I'm used to having in instruments, but little tweaks to the truss rod have proven to fix that. Besides, walnut seems integral to the sound I was looking for.
Reliability Rating: 10
No complaints.
Customer Service: 10
Even on a completely stock example of what is sort of a workhorse banjo, I'm amazed at how nice the resonator looks. Also, the binding isn't just plain off-white celluloid, but has a subtle pattern. The inlays at the 7th and 12th frets are also more intricate than you might expect for an American-made banjo in this price range. There isn't any substandard part of this banjo.
Components Rating: 10
This is a great instrument, and I think I got more than my money's worth. I waited a while to review it in order to be 100% confident of what I'm saying, and now I'm saying with 100% confidence that this is a great banjo. It keeps sounding better with time.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from Bishline
Year Purchased: 2020
Price Paid: 2450 ($US)
Clawhammer player learning Scruggs style,sounds great,clear tone all the way up the neck,very comfortable to play,very hard to put down,stays in tune
Sound Rating: 10
Was set up perfect for me,didn't have to get used to playing it,haven't made any adjustments to it
Setup Rating: 10
Very nice looking instrument,Rob is a true Craftsman,couldn't find any flaws whatsoever, it's made from walnut with a maple rim,ordered it with spikes installed
Appearance Rating: 10
The banjo is well built,was much more than I was expecting.the hardware appears to be high quality.Cant see any reason this banjo won't last for many years.
Reliability Rating: 10
Rob was great to deal with,he answered all my questions,he built this banjo for me while he was busy moving his shop,and I got it in the time frame he gave me.He also sent me pictures of the progress of the build.
Customer Service: 10
I like the presto tail piece,and the inlays are really nice,the walnut resonator is very nice,there is nothing I'm unhappy with,the banjo sounds great,and plays great
Components Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Directly from Rob
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
This banjo has a full, rich sound -- just what I was looking for. Walnut neck and resonator.
Sound Rating: 10
This was set up by Rob exactly as I had asked. I did come back to have RR spikes installed, but that was no big deal. And if I ever need any adjustments, he's not too far away.
Setup Rating: 10
This is a plain Jane banjo in appearance without a lot of bling, but I wasn't looking for bling. That's probably why he calls it the Bluegrass Workhorse. It does have an understated elegance though.
Appearance Rating: 10
I'm confident that the hardware will last as long as I'm able to play it.
Reliability Rating: 10
Rob is great to work with. I was taking lessons at his shop at the time, so I was able to explain exactly what I wanted and touch base with him along the way.
Customer Service: 10
The components are top notch. I may eventually upgrade to a wooden arm rest, but nothing wrong with the nickel plated one it came with.
Components Rating: 10
What I like best about this banjo, besides the sound, is that it is easily the most playable banjo I've ever played. It makes practice time a pleasure.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Bishline
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: 2300 ($US)
Rich, full sound - killer
Sound Rating: 10
Everything was near perfect. Head needed to be tightened up a bit (as would be expected after shipping)
Setup Rating: 10
Very fine walnut burl with a matte finish. Flawless.
Appearance Rating: 10
All top quality.
Reliability Rating: 10
If I could give an "11", I would. I have talked set-up with Rob on several occasions. He even worked with me on Skype to tweak the set-up to my liking. Outstanding service. They clearly care about the customers and want them happy.
Customer Service: 10
All componetns are solid.
Components Rating: 10
You simply cannot beat this banjo for the price. It is nothing short of outstanding. This banjo will stand up to any of the other reputable makers (Huber, Stelling, Yates, etc) at a fraction of the price.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from Bishline
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: 2200 ($US)
The sound is great, and exactly what I hoped for. Powerful!
Sound Rating: 10
I pulled it out of the case and it played wonderfully. It was even still in tune after being shipped from the other side of the world!
Setup Rating: 10
So very nice to look at - I can't get enough of the swirly walnut on the resonator. I had the truss rod cover engraved as part of my order, and that came out even better than I hoped.
Appearance Rating: 10
Solid, professional, and beautifully finished. Bishline call it a bluegrass workhorse and that name fits well.
Reliability Rating: 10
I wish I had an 11 to rate customer service. I was already impressed with the customer service when talking through my options with Rob Bishline, and dealing with the administration through Andy, but when shipping to Australia proved to have significant issues, they really looked after things admirably. I couldn't have asked for better treatment.
Customer Service: 10
I really love the overall aesthetic - dark, feature-rich wood, satin finish, and understated inlays. Everything is quality, and there are no corners cut. It feels like it should cost more than it does.
Components Rating: 10
I couldn't be happier!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Rob Bishline
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1,995 ($US)
I play bluegrass, and this banjo is PERFECT for my playing style. It is KILLER for hard driving, traditional bluegrass. It is also very good for soft, melodic playing. The volume is great! It's a very dynamic banjo. It can produce a wide variety of tones and volumes.
Sound Rating: 10
The banjo was set up very well when I got it. It plays like butter and the intonation is PERFECT all the way up and down the neck.
Setup Rating: 10
This is a very nice looking banjo. It has a burl walnut resonator and a straight grain walnut neck. It has a satin finish which is actually very nice, and more durable than gloss. All the mother of pearl inlay is beautiful. The hardware is all of excellent quality and looks great.
Appearance Rating: 10
This is a very reliable banjo. It's the only banjo you'll ever need! The tone is PERFECT. The finish looks looks like it should last well. I would definitely use it without a backup. This is a pro banjo.
Reliability Rating: 10
I talked to Rob Bishline several times. He was very friendly and was always happy to answer any of my questions. He even installed a Shubb 5th string capo. He is great to deal with! He even sent me pictures while he was building it. The banjo comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Customer Service: 10
The whole banjo is AWESOME! The tuners are great, and the presto tailpiece is nice also. I've had the banjo for a few months, and haven't noticed anything that should be upgraded.
Components Rating: 10
This is an incredible banjo! It's as good as any I've ever played, and is very reasonably priced for a professional grade banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Banjo.com
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: $1,995
historic exchange rates / currency converter
She is loud and has a crisp tone that is clear to the ear.
Sound Rating: 10
Banjo.com did a great job with the setup.
Setup Rating: 10
Nothing fancy, just a nice looking and well built banjo.
Appearance Rating: 10
Hardware and finish look great and no complaints so far.
Reliability Rating: 10
Rob at Bishline and Mark at Banjo.com were both a pleasure to deal with.
Customer Service: 10
The banjo itself is a standout and there is nothing cheap about it, I see no need to upgrade any part of this banjo at this time.
Components Rating: 10
You can not go wrong if you purchase a Cimarron.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct From Bishline
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 2,000 ($US)
Rob Bishline describes this as a bluegrass "workhorse" and indeed it is. The tone is fantastic, just right. It is loud to be sure but it is very responsive to the player's touch and picking position. You can take this banjo from warm to bright very easily.
Sound Rating: 10
The action was very nearly perfect. I tightened the head 1.25 turns. The tension rods nuts were lose probably from shipping vibration. I had to tighten them up. There was also one nut on the resonator ring that was the incorrect size and didn't fully seat. I called Bishline and they promptly sent me a replacement which fit perfectly.
Setup Rating: 8
This is the satin finish burl walnut. It looks great. The fit and finish are excellent. The grain on the neck is nice and straight. The inlays are perfect.
Appearance Rating: 10
This banjo is rock solid in every way.
Reliability Rating: 10
If I could give them an 11 I would. The Bishline team is exceptionally helpful. Rob himself is responsive. During the manufacturing process, they sent me pictures of the banjo. Needless to say I was surprised and delighted when I received them!
Customer Service: 10
When I ordered the banjo the only upgrade available was the tuners. I opted to do this for something like 60 or 90 bucks. I feel this was well worth it. The banjo stays in tune very well. There is nothing cheap about this instrument. Considering it was a 2k purchase there really should not be. That said, I was very pleased with all the components.
Components Rating: 9
I have played this banjo for about 2 months . I have buddies who own prewar Gibsons and they also love my banjo. Everyone comments on the sound. The tone is wonderful, the feel and playability is great. It looks super, simple and elegant. It is a fine handcrafted instrument made by people who care about their customers and support their products. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Elderly
Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 1485 ($US) (bought USED)
Loud, but with a nice tone. Not as bright as maple.
Sound Rating: 9
Banjo was used, but from all appearances had not been owned by the original purchaser very long, so it was probably the original factory setup. Setup was perfect for me. Playability was the equal or better than a Gibson ESS I tried.
Setup Rating: 10
Nice, subdued appearance. No flash or bling but the quality of the components is evident.
Appearance Rating: 9
This is a solid banjo. It should meet Bishline's claim that it's a "bluegrass workhorse".
Reliability Rating: 10
Very quick reponse to an email query.
Customer Service: 10
From all indications the money on this banjo went into the components, not bling and ultra shiny finish. In other words it has everything it needs to sound good.
Components Rating: 10
I'm partial to satin finish, in particular on the neck for speed. Another advantage to the finish will be less fear in taking the banjo out in temperature and humidity extremes. Overall rating reflects the level of high quality components at this price point.
Overall Rating: 10
